Science fiction and cars seem to go together like bread and butter. In fact, some directors and producers have even asked auto manufacturers to design concept cars just for their movie!
One example is Stephen Spielberg, who for the movie Minority Report asked Lexus to design the Lexus 2054, which Tom Cruise later drove on set. This science fiction car wasn’t just for show either. Car enthusiasts have become so obsessed with the car that one mechanic built their own version of the Lexus 2054, powered by a 2.7L V6 Porsche engine. There are plenty of other sci-fi cars out there that have offered more than a little inspiration for mechanics. Read on to learn more!
1. For Mechanics Who Are Fans of I, Robot There’s the Audi RSQ
This gorgeous science-fiction-inspired car was created just for the movie I, Robot. The Audi RSQ was made to have a sleek and sophisticated design to really emphasize the high tech and futuristic world of the year 2035. The Audi RSQ sports coupe possesses some pretty sweet tech too, like a 5.0L twin-turbocharged FSI V10 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. There’s also reverse butterfly doors, and instead of wheels it rides on spheres—all real!
Check out this clip for a closer look at the Audi RSQ:
2. The Lola T70 MKIII Coupe Is More Science Fact that Fiction
Did you ever see George Lucas’ movie THX 1138? It’s a science fiction film with a ton of really incredible action sequences involving a Lola T70 MKIII. Students in a mechanic program may be surprised to know that the Lola T70 MKIII has been around since the 60s! The vehicle at the time featured a 6.1L V8 engine with Lucas mechanical fuel injection. The suspension isn’t too shabby either, with double wishbones and Armstrong shock absorbers on the front axle, as well as top links and twin trailing arms on the rear axle.
3. Students in Mechanic Programs Might Love the Mach 5
Speed Racer is a classic 1960s science fiction racing cartoon from Japan that gained so much popularity it was made into a live action film in 2008. Central to Speed Racer is a beautiful car known as the Mach 5. While the filmmakers had a replica built for the purposes of the live action film, a really impressive version was built as a custom job for a private owner. This replica, dubbed the “real Mach 5” is a completely street legal version, based on a C4 Corvette chassis. It houses a pretty powerful V8 engine that will stun any automotive service technician. The Mach 5 replica can even reach an impressive top speed of 290 km/h!
4. The Pursuit Special for Mechanics Who Love Mad Max
Mad Max fans can agree that the best parts of those films are the cars themselves. Of the vehicles in the Mad Max film series, the Pursuit Special V8 Interceptor—seen in Mad Max (1979) and Mad Max 2 (1981)—is by far the cream of the crop. The Pursuit Special was built from a modified 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT, housing a powerful Ford Windsor 5.8L V8 engine with 300 horsepower. The engine was fitted with a sick Weiand 6-71 supercharger connected to the engine’s crankshaft pulley, which looked incredible.
5. Automotive Service Technicians Might Like K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider
An oldie but a goodie, Knight Rider and David Hasselhoff fans alike can appreciate the workmanship of the Knight Industries Two Thousand (K.I.I.T). The actual vehicle is a modified version of the 1982 Pontiac Tran-Am sports model, otherwise known as the Pontiac Firebird. While you won’t find any of the crazy sci-fi technology—like a super computer and turbo booster—the real Pontiac Firebird does sport a pretty impressive V8 engine with 165 horsepower, and can reach a top speed of 201 km/h.
Do these cars make you interested in an auto mechanic apprenticeship?
Contact Automotive Training Centers in Toronto for details!
